Before and After Instructions

The male facelift patient is somewhat different then the female counterpart in several aspects: the male facelift patient has different preoperative needs, different issues in preparing for surgery, different issues in surgery, and specific short- and long-term postoperative care questions that need to be addressed appropriately. Dr. Calabria believes that if the male patient is properly educated and prepared for surgery and given adequate pre- and postoperative instructions, the psychological and physical trauma of the operation is minimized and the final result is enhanced.

The decision of undergoing facelift surgery is not an easy one to undertake. Not only is the male facelift patient faced with the choice of different plastic surgeons and different facelift procedures, but he also has to deal with the appropriate type of pre- and postoperative care, which varies individually.

Dr. Calabria believes that the male facelift procedure is not only an occasion to refresh and change a man’s physical look, but also improve his approach on “life in general.” By keeping a “positive attitude” and refraining from unproductive negativism, the male patient will find satisfaction with his “new look” after surgery. It is also important for the male facelift patient to not concentrate on finding perfection, but to focus on the degree of improvement. Perfection is very seldom obtainable, but dramatic improvements are often achievable.

A crucial step in the direction of safe surgical outcome is an in-depth preoperative evaluation. Often, male facelift patients tend to overlook the risks that can be taken if a health issue is not appropriately addressed. At times, plastic surgeons may neglect to obtain a proper clearance for surgery. A plastic surgery patient is first a patient, and surgery is surgery, no matter how noninvasive the treatment may be.

The risks of anesthesia are always present. A common misconception is that going under “twilight” anesthesia may be safer then general anesthesia. Nothing is further from the truth. However, general anesthesia is extremely safe if the proper precautions are taken.

The first rule for the male patient is to “take the operation seriously.” No matter how “nonchalant” the plastic surgeon may be, if you are a patient undergoing an operation, you need to be seen by an internist who will perform an appropriate History and Physical. In addition to a blood work and a chest x-ray, an EKG is recommended for men over 40 and an Echo-stress test for men over 50. If any of the blood work is off, it needs to be appropriately addressed. You should never feel rushed or pushed into surgery. Remember, a facelift is an elective procedure and can be rescheduled at anytime.

The pre-operative work up is the most important step in a safe recovery. It is also a good excuse to get a routine check up that can help you avoid future health problems.

Dr Calabria has had several instances in which a proper work up led to the discovery of health issues that where unknown to the patient. A prompt management of health issues can make a difference between life and death.

Optimizing a healthy diet, quitting smoking, and avoiding medications, herbal supplements, and vitamins that can cause bleeding, is a “must” before surgery.

Male facelift patients traditionally tend to bruise more then female patients and they have a higher rate of hematomas. It is important to keep under control any conditions that could increase blood pressure before, during, and especially after surgery. One of the tricks that Dr. Calabria uses is to raise the blood pressure at the end of the procedure before closing any incisions so any potential bleeding points can be controlled. Another useful personal technique that Dr. Calabria uses in men undergoing a facelift is to do the cutting with an instrument called the Bovie, which coagulates at the same time and minimizes bleeding and post operative bruising. These techniques help keep the incidence of a hematoma really low.

Dr Calabria also advises the male facelift patient to let his beard grow for a few days before surgery. This is very important in planning the facelift incisions so there are minimal shifts in hair-baring skin. It is also helpful postoperatively to mask the incision sites.

After a facelift surgery, the patient will spend the night in a postoperative facility where he will be watched by nursing staff specializing in facelift care. Dr.Calabria does not make patients wear the traditional, uncomfortable, bulky dressing after surgery and he lets his patients take a shower the next day. The postoperative care is usually uneventful if the patient strictly follows Dr. Calabria’s orders.

Within a week, the pre-auricular sutures will be removed and, after 10 days to 2 weeks, the rest of the sutures will be removed. Typically after the first week, the male patient will be able to conduct a pretty normal life and, after 2 weeks, will be able to present himself in public with just a little swelling. After about a month, once the incisions are completely healed, Dr. Calabria may use a pulsed light laser to improve the normal redness present and to further minimize the scars.

These are only a few important points that set Dr. Calabria apart from other plastic surgeons:

Dr. Calabria likes to personalize the postoperative care for each individual patient as part of his philosophy of delivering the highest quality of results available.

Dr. Calabria sees only a few patients per day

Dr. Calabria performs only one surgery a day (from the first stitch to the last).

Dr. Calabria (not his nurse) is personally involved in the postoperative care of each patient.

All of this is part of Dr. Calabria’s ”boutique“ approach to plastic surgery in order to deliver nothing but excellence.

If you are considering a facelift, call board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Renato Calabria to schedule your consultation. You may call Dr. Calabria at his office in Beverly Hills at (323) 612-0859 or his office in Rancho Mirage at 760-836-0077. Dr. Calabria looks forward to meeting with you personally to help you achieve the looks you desire.